Not only are berries, such as strawberries and blueberries, in season during the Fourth of July, but they also come in patriotic colors, making them great ingredients in recipes you can make for your Independence Day celebrations, such as this White Chocolate Covered Strawberries recipe, courtesy of Dove Chocolate Discoveries.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound fresh strawberries

8 ounces white chocolate

Blue-colored sugar

Parchment paper

Chocolate tempering machine or substitute

PREPARATION

1. Wash and completely dry strawberries.

2. For optimum results, temper chocolate in a chocolate tempering machine. If you don’t own one, simply melt the chocolate in a microwave oven or double boiler.
3. Holding a strawberry by the stem, dip about half of it in chocolate. Give it a quick twist, shake off excess and point it at the ceiling for a second to be sure the chocolate adheres.
4. Before chocolate dries, dip tip of strawberry into blue-colored sugar (available in the cake-decorating aisle of grocery store, or online). Place on parchment paper to set up and cool. If set up seems slow, place in refrigerator for 3 to 5 minutes.

Note: chocolate-covered strawberries are best enjoyed the day they are made.

Turn your regular recipe into an Independence Day celebration by using blue and red tortilla chips and adding some blue cheese or goat cheese, along with white Cheddar or other good white melting cheese. Think of the Red, White and Blue theme for Labor Day and Memorial Day, too.

With all the buzz surrounding sliders and other incarnations of the two-bite burger, it was only a matter of time before at least one creative baker took things into her own hands. While these treats may not pack the same protein punch as a beef or turkey burger, a crowd pleaser like cupcakes, conceptually crossed with America’s favorite food, the hamburger, will create even more of a rush. They’re a memorable ending to a barbecue, birthday party or shower. It’s a good thing each recipe serves 24.

In this recipe, Clara, creator of iheartcuppycakes.com, provides you with all you need to know for turning out batch after batch of these fluffy cupcake sliders.

Turn plain tarts into ravishing beauties with creative garnishing. Some chocolate curls or rolls, a mint sprig, a few raspberries or a slice of star fruit, combined with a dab of crème fraîche or whipped cream, can turn something simple into something special. Read our article on Garnish Glamour, for dozens of ideas for sprucing up both sweet and savory foods.

The Love Boat was the cruise ship for those seeking love (at least in the fictitious world of TV). If you’re looking for a great food experience, head for Oceania Cruises’ Marina, the new Regatta-class flagship, when it launches next year. You’ll be able to cook in the state-of-the-art Bon Appétit Culinary Center, receiving hands-on cooking instruction under the guidance of master chefs. Working at your own fully equipped work station, complete with an induction cook top, this is no passive, “watch the demo” from the audience, experience. It’s like going to culinary school, and is a first at sea.

The cooking curriculum, designed in part by Bon Appétit magazine, will cater to all levels, from beginners to master chefs, and will encompass all types of cuisines. Classes will range from 45 minutes to 3 hours, and will include shore tours to shop for ingredients at local markets.

If you don’t want to take daily cooking classes, a host of premium cruise activities is available to you (for example, artists-in-residence will teach fine arts in The Studio, a new enrichment center). Or, you can just eat. A ship for food lovers, the new Marina has 10 dining venues, in addition to elegant bars and lounges. Don’t worry—there’s a full-service spa and a spacious fitness center and outdoor swimming pool where you can burn off the calories.If, like us, you can’t get enough Asian food, opt for the five-course tasting menu at Red Ginger, which will feature Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine (you can have sushi a la carte, or anything else from the ample menu). Other dining venues include restaurants well known to those who have sailed the cruise line’s other ships: Polo Grill, Toscana, Terrace Café, The Patio and the Grand Dining Room. There will also be a French bistro, Jacques (named in honor of the great chef Jacques Pépin, a consultant to the culinary program), and the Yacht Club for enlightening wine and food pairings. You can gather at Biscottos Coffee Bar for gourmet coffees and snacks.

The maiden voyage of Marina is in Winter 2010. You can register to receive Marina updates and become part of the Priority Reservation list. An epicurean cruise will make a memorable holiday gift for someone special.